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to Bishop David's blog. Here you can find news, information, articles and pictures about the Church of England Diocese in Europe. We have over 300 congregations or worship centres serving Anglican and (mostly) English-speaking people in Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Russia and some central Asian countries.

Monday, 18 February 2013

New Church Building for St Mark's Versailles is Dedicated

"Now, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, + sanctify this place; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; and you are exalted as head over all." These words were part of the festive liturgy when on Saturday 16 February a new church building for St Mark's Versailles was dedicated. The service began with prayers outside the church, until at one moment the doors were formally opened and the threshold marked with the sign of the cross.

There has been a Church of England congregation in
Versailles since 1814. Now, almost 200 years after the first records of
services, St Mark’s congregation has a new building, fitting for its worship. More than 250
people gathered for the formal opening and dedication service.

The Chaplain, the Revd Chris MacLay and the Assistant
Chaplain, the Revd Elaine Labourel, were joined by many former clergy of St
Mark’s, representatives of the Intercontinental Church Society, (the parish patron) as well as some of the priests from Anglican parishes in the Greater
Paris area. Many former parishioners journeyed from far away to attend the service. They recalled the dream from many years back of having this new facility (architectural plans were
first drawn up in 1988) and wished to be part of the historic opening ceremony. The spacious, bright and welcoming new church is completely paid for! A
testimony to the generosity and stewardship of parishioners and other donors.

Long-time church member, Mr Peter Milner, prepared a historical
review of St Mark’s, highlighting many moments from the past. He noted that “the real history of St Mark’s is
one of a church that has welcomed and comforted those who have felt the need of
help in a foreign land. It has brought many individuals to know God and others
to a deeper faith”. “This is the legacy of St Mark’s”, Peter said. “Let it
continue for the next 200 years and beyond”.

About me

Burmese-Scottish, educated in Canada. Former priest in Niagara Diocese, Anglican C. of Canada’s Mission Co-ordinator for Latin America & the Caribbean, and Anglican Communion's Director of Ecumenical Affairs & Studies. Bishop since 2002. IARCCUM co-chairman. My wife Dr Colleen Hamid is a medical researcher. We have two sons, Jonathan and Michael. My office is in that great European city called London